Preview — Christmas in Cowboy Country
by Janet Dailey

Christmas in Cowboy Country

Ski instructor Annie Bennett doesn't have time to miss the twinkling lights and holiday parties in Aspen and Vail. With her older brothers gone and winter just around the corner, her parents need help with their sprawling Colorado ranch. The most wonderful time of the year isn't always easy for a lot of the folks in their town, but Annie does heThe greatest gift is love...

Ski instructor Annie Bennett doesn't have time to miss the twinkling lights and holiday parties in Aspen and Vail. With her older brothers gone and winter just around the corner, her parents need help with their sprawling Colorado ranch. The most wonderful time of the year isn't always easy for a lot of the folks in their town, but Annie does her best—until the tall, dark, and rugged surveyor on their neighbor's land becomes a potent distraction.

Wyoming born and bred, Marshall Stone is a practical man. But there's something about Annie that's as wild and sweet as the mountain wind. He doesn't want to tame her. Just love her. Annie Bennett is all he wants for Christmas. And for always. But she's too wary to believe he means it. Until he takes her in his arms and explains without saying a single word....more

Community Reviews

I got a copy of this book through netgalley in exchange of an honest review..

I don't know where to start with this book. I was really hoping to enjoy it, Christmas + Cowboy = Yes please!

Unfortunately it did not turn out to be what I expected.

I don't feel this book accurately portrayed Janet Dailey's writing, which is a shame that it ended up being the last book published from her. I found myself completely lost with this story and had a hard time paying attention. It was slow and veryDNF @ 45%

I got a copy of this book through netgalley in exchange of an honest review..

I don't know where to start with this book. I was really hoping to enjoy it, Christmas + Cowboy = Yes please!

Unfortunately it did not turn out to be what I expected.

I don't feel this book accurately portrayed Janet Dailey's writing, which is a shame that it ended up being the last book published from her. I found myself completely lost with this story and had a hard time paying attention. It was slow and very uninteresting.

I did not like the main character at all, at all. There seemed to be an insta-love type of deal going on, and Annie seemed to be very obsessed with Marshall, who she just met.

The turning point of me giving up on this was1. The strange stalking. After one kiss a day or less after they met, Annie became strangely obsessed with Marshall to the point where she went driving around town literally trying to spy on him...Awkward...2. When Marshall asks Annie to help him find his dog, she agrees. This takes us to a scene where Marshall finds the dog with a couple of college girls who end up flirting with him and he barely flirted back, but we find Annie sitting in the seat in his truck blowing up steam and getting pissed at the man for no reason. First, she had no rights to him. Second, I think this was only their second of third encounter at the most. Just because he kissed you, doesn't mean you are married to him woman. None of them laid claims to any relationship, in fact, Marshall at this point does not want one, so Annie's reaction is completely over the top, immature, and it made me so angry that I gave up on the book. Seriously, that bad...

I feel bad that this turned out the way it did.. I really wanted to like it....more

I grew up on Janet Dailey’s books published via Mills & Boon. She was one of my favorite authors and it was a monthly ritual to raid a bookstore for her books. I’ve enjoyed her Bannon Brothers Series and the Calder Series and have enjoyed them.

Her latest “Christmas In Cowboy Country” (Bennett Series), is unfortunately a disappointment for me. Considering that Janet Dailey is no more, and am guessing that someone else’s completed her unfinished works. I can definitely see the difference in thI grew up on Janet Dailey’s books published via Mills & Boon. She was one of my favorite authors and it was a monthly ritual to raid a bookstore for her books. I’ve enjoyed her Bannon Brothers Series and the Calder Series and have enjoyed them.

Her latest “Christmas In Cowboy Country” (Bennett Series), is unfortunately a disappointment for me. Considering that Janet Dailey is no more, and am guessing that someone else’s completed her unfinished works. I can definitely see the difference in the narration and writing and was not able to hold my interest.

Ski instructor Annie Bennett is back at her home ranch as she recovers from an accident and helps around her parents ranch. Marshall Stone is in Vail under the guise of a real estate surveyor trying to apprehend some real estate con artists. Annie meets Marshall, love blossoms and as the truth is revealed, they fall in love.

I couldn’t relate to Annie and Marshall. The plot was very thin and the characters did not have any depth and was hard for me to like them or be in their minds to enjoy the book. The romance was lackluster and I couldn’t feel the chemistry between Annie and Marshall.

It really saddens me to write an unsatisfactory review, as I've always enjoyed her previous works. Die-hard fans of Janet Dailey may still enjoy the book.

Enjoyable read by a favorite author. Some suspense along with romance but needed a few more chapters or an epilogue for better closure. There was a happily ever after. Lots of family and friends in a small town set at Christmas with all the pageants and festivities associated with one along with helpful neighbors and friends.

What an intriguing novel. Dailey tells a suspenseful, romantic tale, while remaining low key and approachable. The suspense in this tale is of a low key variety. It’s the type where you know what’s going on and want to shout it at the characters. Take this and set it in an immaculately developed world where you can picture yourself in the snow alongside the characters and you have a fantastic read. That said, there were a few times where I found the story jumping around. One second you were in oWhat an intriguing novel. Dailey tells a suspenseful, romantic tale, while remaining low key and approachable. The suspense in this tale is of a low key variety. It’s the type where you know what’s going on and want to shout it at the characters. Take this and set it in an immaculately developed world where you can picture yourself in the snow alongside the characters and you have a fantastic read. That said, there were a few times where I found the story jumping around. One second you were in one place, the next you were somewhere completely different with another character. After the first few jolts I didn’t notice it as much.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the main characters in this novel. Both are well developed individuals who aren’t afraid to stand for what they believe in. Seeing them get to know one another while attempting to do what they thought was the right thing was comical at times. That said, as a leading couple, they didn’t spend too much time together. I would have loved to see the relationship develop some more. It went from 0 to 60 in the flip of a page. The supporting cast in this novel didn’t get very much development.

Wrapping up, I should probably mention that I was extremely excited when I got my hands on a copy of this novel. It sounded fantastic and I counted down the minutes until I could read it. I’m not saying that this was not an enjoyable read, as I fully enjoyed my time with the story, but it’s quite possible that I had it built up in my head long before I started reading this novel.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review....more

I enjoy any Janet Daily book, and particularly the Christmas ones. Even though it took me over a month to read, because of a move and illness in the family, I kept the book with me and could pick it up anytime and get back into the story.

I debated on this one - 3 or 4? In the end, if you picked this up, you probably weren't looking for serious literature. It's your typical warm, fuzzy, cheesey-Hallmark-Christmas-movie type book. A heartwarming easy read.

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.Many people can relate to the aspects of small town living, as detailed in “Christmas in Cowboy Country”. Velde Colorado had a simplistic charm to it with the right combination of personalities, whether it be the gossiper or a trusting soul, the tight-knit community was perfect for suspicious activity. I liked the characters who rose up against pressure or temptation and the well-meaning caring ones that went out of their way with concern for another. Within the twenty-five quick chapters, a fasMany people can relate to the aspects of small town living, as detailed in “Christmas in Cowboy Country”. Velde Colorado had a simplistic charm to it with the right combination of personalities, whether it be the gossiper or a trusting soul, the tight-knit community was perfect for suspicious activity. I liked the characters who rose up against pressure or temptation and the well-meaning caring ones that went out of their way with concern for another. Within the twenty-five quick chapters, a fast speed was set in relationships and climate changes. A tone of sweetness was felt in the book's delivery of justice served and a happy ending. ...more

My MIL found this at a thriftstore and then I proceeded to steal it from her. It is a cute story, the perfect thing to read to help you out of a reading slump, however, the end was kinda quick. That's my one complaint.

My first Dailey read, Christmas in Cowboy Country was a welcome holiday romance. Lush, snowy scenes and a hero who isn't quite what he appears to be, a family woven together realistically and lovingly, all combined to make a wonderful Christmas read. The writing was well done, the characters were more complex than I anticipated, and the ending was oh-so-romantic.

I have been a Janet Daily fan for a lot of years, so I was quite excited when Christmas in Cowboy Country came up for review. It has been a while since I have read one of hers.

Christmas in Cowboy Country features Marshal Stone and Annie Bennett. I figured out real quick that Marshal wasn’t “just a surveyor.” Pretty much for the same reasons that Annie did. He was hot, but oh so non-communicative. How frustrating. One had the feeling he was good and should be trusted but, there were so many questI have been a Janet Daily fan for a lot of years, so I was quite excited when Christmas in Cowboy Country came up for review. It has been a while since I have read one of hers.

Christmas in Cowboy Country features Marshal Stone and Annie Bennett. I figured out real quick that Marshal wasn’t “just a surveyor.” Pretty much for the same reasons that Annie did. He was hot, but oh so non-communicative. How frustrating. One had the feeling he was good and should be trusted but, there were so many questions. But, most of that had to do with his job. He was actually a deep thinker. “It was a little early in the day for manly brooding and staring into the flames, but he might as well get it over with.”

Annie is strong, true, loyal, hardworking, loving, caring, and almost perfect in fact, or so Marshal thinks. “However, Annie stopped short of being too good to be true–there was something wild and sweetly enticing about her and she didn’t strike him as being innocent. Exactly what he’d been looking for, in fact, without his ever knowing it until the day he’d seen her face. Stone had never expected to meet the woman who was so damn close to perfect.”

This story moseyed along through the small town of Velde, Colorado where not much was secret for long, and continued to meander through an interesting group of characters. I loved the “Xmas Pajunt Reehersul At 4. P.S. We Need Hey for the Manger.” Yes it was a children’s Christmas pageant and parade where the children participated fully. It was quite sweet and beautiful.

I was treated to a very sweet romance spiced with a little suspense and intrigue. It didn’t move along very fast, but we were in a small town where things moved at its own pace. Sometimes at breakneck speed but more often at a slow ramble. It was a nice uncomplicated read that reminded me of why I started reading romance in the first place – getting to the happy ever after is where all the fun it, even when there isn’t any sex involved. Just a nice sweet romance. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more

Janet Dailey is one of the iconic writers of the western romance. I read in an interview that she was one of the first American authors to be signed to England based Harlequin romance and helped create the strong, independent leading ladies we all know and love today. And that's what this book was about: stong, independent ladies. This is the story of the romance of Annie Bennett and Marshall Stone, mostly yes. But it's all the story of Nell Dighton, Elsie Pearson, Cilla Rivers and Bree Rivers.Janet Dailey is one of the iconic writers of the western romance. I read in an interview that she was one of the first American authors to be signed to England based Harlequin romance and helped create the strong, independent leading ladies we all know and love today. And that's what this book was about: stong, independent ladies. This is the story of the romance of Annie Bennett and Marshall Stone, mostly yes. But it's all the story of Nell Dighton, Elsie Pearson, Cilla Rivers and Bree Rivers. Strong women all. Through their relationships with one another, they support one another and remind us that we are stronger together.

After recently reading a fairly disappointing holiday western romance, I will admit to being a bit gun-shy with this one. And there were a few times where the character change wasn't smooth or I felt like not enough time/detail was spent on a scene. But on the whole, it was enjoyable. The romance developed over several weeks from a little before Thanksgiving through Christmas. They did have a couple of heated moments, but other than that, the smexy was limited.

Not only was this a holiday western romance, but there was a tiny bit of suspense as well. So while we know much of what is going on, most of the characters are piecing things together and remain in the dark for most of the book. This added a bit of zing to the book, watching the misunderstanding and missed opportunities happen. If you are wanting to be able to share a book about love, family, and sisterhood with a woman in your life, be it your mother, grandmother, aunt or sister, I would give this book a try. I gave it 3 stars....more

I have not read a Janet Dailey book in a long time. I liked it. I wanted to see more of Annie and Marshall together more. I really liked Annie and the small town feel of the book. Getting to know the characters.

Annie Bennett was a ski instructor who is back home recovering from a bad broken leg. She is the youngest of three children. She is single almost healed now. There are not a lot of single men in town.

Marshall Stone has secrets he is hiding. He likes Annie but he is seen by her 3 stars

I have not read a Janet Dailey book in a long time. I liked it. I wanted to see more of Annie and Marshall together more. I really liked Annie and the small town feel of the book. Getting to know the characters.

Annie Bennett was a ski instructor who is back home recovering from a bad broken leg. She is the youngest of three children. She is single almost healed now. There are not a lot of single men in town.

Marshall Stone has secrets he is hiding. He likes Annie but he is seen by her with another woman. He won't be around for long. He was raised on a ranch. He is a surveyor.

Their is a lot of white in the book, snowball dance, two bad storms. Annie wearing white hat and shirt. Don't know if it was supposed to mean something or just winter in Colorado.

I liked that Annie cared about her neighbors. She tried to help them.

The book description was little off. Or at least saying her parents needed her help with the ranch. You really never saw her do or say anything except to run errands, cook and I kept waiting to see more about the ranch life.

There sure was a lot of talk about video talking with web cam for families who can't be together for the holidays.

It was a nice story. Not deep an easy read.

I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and Kensington Books. I agreed to give honest review of it in exchange....more

I expected a sentimental Christmas story. I got a crime story instead. The main characters, Annie and Marshall, had several misunderstandings because Marshall was undercover. The main subplot held all the sentimentality any reader could want. I enjoyed the story.

Despite the cover we do not meet horses. Colorado does get snow however, and a young ranch daughter has been working as an Aspen ski instructor, but now is mending a broken leg. Her father turns a surveyor off their land - the neighbouring rancher is always trying to extend his property line.

Property is the main bone of contention through this book as town encroaches further every year, ranchers find it hard to make a living and dodgy deals are afoot with sneaky developers and gullible older peDespite the cover we do not meet horses. Colorado does get snow however, and a young ranch daughter has been working as an Aspen ski instructor, but now is mending a broken leg. Her father turns a surveyor off their land - the neighbouring rancher is always trying to extend his property line.

Property is the main bone of contention through this book as town encroaches further every year, ranchers find it hard to make a living and dodgy deals are afoot with sneaky developers and gullible older people involved. The ranch daughter finds the surveyor quite an interesting person, maybe even attractive, but of course he has his own iron in the fire.

I thought from the modern gadgetry that this book may have been completed by another writer after Janet Dailey's death. If you like Dailey's modern westerns, you'll enjoy this one and the romance that goes with it. ...more

Christmas in Cowboy Country is the first book I have read by Janet Dailey. I liked the sweet romance book but would have enjoyed more of the ranch life being shown. However, small town life is well portrayed which is a delight to read. Annie is a likable caring soul that did rather seemed like the youngest sibling in the family. Marshall is a harder read since he has secrets. However, when they were together in scenes it is lovely.

This is not a nail biting can’t put down read, but it is not a baChristmas in Cowboy Country is the first book I have read by Janet Dailey. I liked the sweet romance book but would have enjoyed more of the ranch life being shown. However, small town life is well portrayed which is a delight to read. Annie is a likable caring soul that did rather seemed like the youngest sibling in the family. Marshall is a harder read since he has secrets. However, when they were together in scenes it is lovely.

This is not a nail biting can’t put down read, but it is not a bad read either. Instead, it is just the kind of read that easy on your mind and your time during the heretic holiday season. It is like being able to slow down and enjoy the Christmas Season in a small town, including a children’s pageant and parade.

Solid 3.75 starsNetGalley provided a copy for an honest review....more

What in the world did I just read? ... is all that keeps popping in my head after reading this short story. Ok, so there's a man from Wyoming (which could be considered cowboy country) but the story takes place in Colorado (I don't see that as cowboy country, but that could just be me. There is a ranch, but what exactly was the problem that drove Annie home to 'help', I haven't a clue. No drama there that I could read. SO basically the title didn't match the story AT ALL. Was Marshall really a cWhat in the world did I just read? ... is all that keeps popping in my head after reading this short story. Ok, so there's a man from Wyoming (which could be considered cowboy country) but the story takes place in Colorado (I don't see that as cowboy country, but that could just be me. There is a ranch, but what exactly was the problem that drove Annie home to 'help', I haven't a clue. No drama there that I could read. SO basically the title didn't match the story AT ALL. Was Marshall really a cowboy or did he just play dress-up and where is his horse? lolI guess the story was 'cute', but it just kept repeating itself. I'm sure Janet Dailey can do better than THIS!

Janet Dailey is an author that I was reading in my youth. So, I have been very pleased to have received a title from her publisher to give back a review.

Janet Dailey has an unquestionable talent, mostly used here to picture the life in a little community, the interactions in family life, the awkward and sometimes difficult first steps in love.

The story is simple, but sweet. The characters are well defined and their relationship develops in a very realistic way. There aren't sizzling, epic momentJanet Dailey is an author that I was reading in my youth. So, I have been very pleased to have received a title from her publisher to give back a review.

Janet Dailey has an unquestionable talent, mostly used here to picture the life in a little community, the interactions in family life, the awkward and sometimes difficult first steps in love.

The story is simple, but sweet. The characters are well defined and their relationship develops in a very realistic way. There aren't sizzling, epic moments, but a lot of sweetness and some bantering.

A relaxing read for Christmas time!

*Arc kindly provided by the author and the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.* ...more

This book is different then the ones I usually read. But that was a good thing. I fell in love with this book.Annie moved back home to recover from a broken leg and during the holidays she helped out her town any way she could.Stone is in the town as an undercover agent who is there to catch someone. While our two characters find each other attractive, Annie thinks Stone is a womanizer. Stone tries not to follow his attractiveness cause he thinks he will move on to the next assignment.The end ofThis book is different then the ones I usually read. But that was a good thing. I fell in love with this book.Annie moved back home to recover from a broken leg and during the holidays she helped out her town any way she could.Stone is in the town as an undercover agent who is there to catch someone. While our two characters find each other attractive, Annie thinks Stone is a womanizer. Stone tries not to follow his attractiveness cause he thinks he will move on to the next assignment.The end of the book they both confess how they feel. The bad guy is caught and he asks her to marry him.Please consider reading this author. You will. To be disappointed....more

I was looking forward to reading this over the Christmas holidays, and really hoped to enjoy it. While the book did have its moments, on the whole I found it very slow and at times, boring.

I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters, and I almost gave up on the story half way through, but I stuck with it. This was the first book I've ever read by Janet Dailey, and sadly it hasn't inspired me to read another one.

I don't like to give a negative review, but this book just didn't doI was looking forward to reading this over the Christmas holidays, and really hoped to enjoy it. While the book did have its moments, on the whole I found it very slow and at times, boring.

I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters, and I almost gave up on the story half way through, but I stuck with it. This was the first book I've ever read by Janet Dailey, and sadly it hasn't inspired me to read another one.

I don't like to give a negative review, but this book just didn't do it for me....more

I've always been a fan of Janet Dailey, but this book is so incredibly dull that it's hard for me to believe she actually wrote this book. Annie is supposed to be a 28-year-old woman, but she reminds me more of a whiny 18-year-old. There is absolutely no chemistry between Annie and Marshall. There is no cowboy. There is very little Christmas. There is a horse on the cover. There is no horse in the book. There is a dog, and he's the most interesting character in the book. There are too many otherI've always been a fan of Janet Dailey, but this book is so incredibly dull that it's hard for me to believe she actually wrote this book. Annie is supposed to be a 28-year-old woman, but she reminds me more of a whiny 18-year-old. There is absolutely no chemistry between Annie and Marshall. There is no cowboy. There is very little Christmas. There is a horse on the cover. There is no horse in the book. There is a dog, and he's the most interesting character in the book. There are too many other really good Janet Dailey novels to waste your time on this one....more

There is no cowboy. There is a guy who dresses like a cowboy. The cover has a guy on a horse. I do not remember a horse in the story.It takes place in a town in Colorado. A reader has to make some pretty big leaps of belief to follow what little storyline there is.Dailey's use of the term smartphone belies her age.

I could go on, but that would be pointless. I read the book all the way through, always thinking it would get better. It did not.

I used to love her books. This made me sad toSpoilers.

There is no cowboy. There is a guy who dresses like a cowboy. The cover has a guy on a horse. I do not remember a horse in the story.It takes place in a town in Colorado. A reader has to make some pretty big leaps of belief to follow what little storyline there is.Dailey's use of the term smartphone belies her age.

I could go on, but that would be pointless. I read the book all the way through, always thinking it would get better. It did not.

I am not one to leave negative reviews but I am just baffled at how this story went. It was like a train wreck, and I couldn’t look away. I thought the premise was interesting but the writing… so much of the book didn’t make sense. It didn’t flow and just felt awkward at times.

I think I am just surprised that a Christmas in Cowboy Country is being published. I am assuming that this book just hadn’t been edited before Ms. Dailey passed away and that is the reason it is the way it is. This is sadI am not one to leave negative reviews but I am just baffled at how this story went. It was like a train wreck, and I couldn’t look away. I thought the premise was interesting but the writing… so much of the book didn’t make sense. It didn’t flow and just felt awkward at times.

I think I am just surprised that a Christmas in Cowboy Country is being published. I am assuming that this book just hadn’t been edited before Ms. Dailey passed away and that is the reason it is the way it is. This is sad because since this is one of her last books it has left a horrible impression with me....more

Once again, I am a sucker for a Christmas love story! This was no exception. I love a good love story especially when it involves a tall, good-looking cowboyish fellow. I enjoyed watching both Annie and Marshall as they fought to keep their feelings for one another at bay. I also enjoyed the addition of Rowdy, Marshall's dog, who sounded like an interesting character in himself. This was a very quick and enjoyable read.

Christmas in Cowboy country wasn't exactly what I expected from Janet Dailey based on her past western based romances. The characters were believable and likeable, but didn't seem to have the depth that Dailey's usually do. Typically, her characters are the ones I'm sad to let go of at the end of the book, and these I probably won't really think about again. A little more Christmas in a Christmas titled novel might have been nice as well. Will look forward to her next book, as always.

Janet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.

Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land developmeJanet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.

Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.

She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.

Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69....more